The equal access to benefits will include medical leave for trans people during their transition

One of Japan’s biggest beverage companies will start recognizing the rights of their LGBTI employees. Unlike Japan, the business will recognize same-sex relationships.

Kirin Holdings announced it would ‘revise guidelines to right unjust discrimination and protect the personal dignity’ of its staff.

Kirin is the second biggest beer producer in Japan. It said it would revise the employment rules at all of its companies.

LGBTI employees in relationships will receive the same benefits as their heterosexual colleagues. This includes; bereavement leave, parental leave and other allowances.

Kirin Holdings will also give up to 60 days accumulated leave to trans employees. It would be for people who need to take time off during their transition. It clarified the leave would be in addition to annual leave and other types of leave granted to employees.

‘The Group (Kirin Holdings) has been engaged in efforts related to LGBT issues, such as raising awareness with employees, human rights training, inclusion polices, and so on,’ the company wrote in a statement.

‘In addition, at SPRING VALLEY BREWERY (a subsidiary company), we have been promoting diversity through exhibiting at Tokyo Rainbow Pride.’

The company would continue to work on its understanding of LGBTI issues and improve its policies to further improve ‘organizational capability to realize value creation’. It will improve access to in-house doctor, nurse, counsellor and human resources for LGBTI employees.

‘Furthermore, we will work to nurture talented personnel who can further understand the diversity of customers and customers’ interests, such as doing in-house workshops inviting external parties with LGBT as a theme,’ the statement read.

‘The Kirin Group will create a new drink culture with our customers and will further enhance our vitality and refreshment to people and society.’

Hopping to change

While is not illegal to be LGBTI in Japan, there are no official protections for people in the workplace.